AP (NEW)

Arizona prosecutors seek death penalty after a 2-year pause in executions

Jan 10, 2025, 2:26 PM

FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation...

FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry shows Aaron Brian Gunches, who was convicted of murder in the 2002 killing of Ted Price in Maricopa County, Ariz. (Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry via AP, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry via AP, File)

PHOENIX (AP) — Prosecutors in Arizona are seeking to execute a prisoner in what would mark the state’s first use of the death penalty after a two-year pause. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office asked the state Supreme Court on Friday to issue a warrant for the execution of Aaron Brian Gunches, who pleaded guilty to murder in 2007.

The court had issued a death warrant for Gunches nearly two years ago, but the sentence wasn’t carried out because the state’s Democratic attorney general agreed not to pursue executions during a review of the state’s death penalty protocol.

The review ended in November when Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs dismissed the retired federal magistrate she had appointed to examine execution procedures.

In Friday’s filing, prosecutors said the state is prepared to carry out the execution and that Gunches has waived a state post-conviction review of his case and failed to start a federal constitutional review.

Gunches, who isn’t a lawyer but is representing himself, had asked the court last week to skip legal formalities and schedule his execution earlier than authorities had planned, saying his death sentence was “long overdue.” The state Supreme Court later rejected his request.

The Associated Press left a phone message on Friday with Emily Skinner, a death penalty lawyer who is serving as Gunches’ advisory counsel.

Gunches pleaded guilty to a murder charge in the 2002 shooting death of Ted Price, his girlfriend’s ex-husband, near the Phoenix suburb of Mesa.

Arizona, which has 111 prisoners on death row, last carried out three executions in 2022 following a nearly eight-year hiatus brought on by criticism that a 2014 execution was botched and because of difficulties obtaining drugs for execution.

Since then, the state has been criticized for taking too long to insert an IV for lethal injection into a condemned prisoner in 2022.

AP (New)

Associated Press

Maria Elena Cruz picked to be the first Latina and first Black person on the Arizona Supreme Court

PHOENIX (AP) — Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday, making the state appellate judge from Yuma County the first Latina and first Black person chosen for the state’s high court. Hobbs’ selection of Cruz marks the first Supreme Court appointment by a Democratic governor since 2005. […]

8 days ago

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., listen as President Donald Trump sp...

Associated Press

Some Trump voters are skeptical of his opening moves to embrace fellow billionaires

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Enrique Lopez votes sporadically but bought into Donald Trump’s vows to fight for everyday workers, helping the Republican flip Arizona last year. Then the home construction contractor watched how the billionaire president opened his second administration. “So, the rich control the poor, I guess. They do whatever they want. They get […]

9 days ago

FILE - Cochise County Recorder David Stevens sits for a portrait inside his office in Bisbee, Ariz....

Associated Press

Official in Arizona county where some leaders embraced voting conspiracy theories plans to resign

BISBEE, Ariz. (AP) — An election official in a southern Arizona county where some leaders embraced voting conspiracy theories plans to resign at the end of February. Cochise County Record David Stevens’ plans to step down were revealed Friday, 10 days after he was sworn in for a third term in office. A statement released […]

20 days ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks prior to signing the repeal of the Civil War-era near-total abortio...

Associated Press

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs sees room for bipartisan compromise with GOP-led Legislature

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is expected to outline her priorities for 2025 when she addresses lawmakers at the start of the session Monday.

25 days ago

FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation...

Associated Press

Arizona prosecutors seek death penalty after a 2-year pause in executions

PHOENIX (AP) — Prosecutors in Arizona are seeking to execute a prisoner in what would mark the state’s first use of the death penalty after a two-year pause. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office asked the state Supreme Court on Friday to issue a warrant for the execution of Aaron Brian Gunches, who pleaded guilty to […]

27 days ago

James Arthur Ray obituary...

Associated Press

Self-help author behind Arizona sweat lodge ceremony deaths has died

James Arthur Ray, a self-help guru whose business toppled after he led a sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona that left three people dead, has died.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

Arizona prosecutors seek death penalty after a 2-year pause in executions